About Covid-19

Facts About COVID-19

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a group of viruses found in both animals and humans. In humans, coronavirus infections are recorded throughout the year, especially in autumn and winter.

How is COVID-19 infection spread?

SARS-CoV-2 virus is spread:

1. By aerosols and tiny droplets produced when an infected person talks, sneezes, or coughs.
2. Via direct contact with an infected person.
3. Via indirect contact - touching surfaces and objects contaminated with respiratory secretions.

How long is the incubation period of COVID-19?

The incubation period is the period between the entry of the pathogen into the body and the onset of the disease, when symptoms appear. The incubation period for COVID-19 is between 2 to 14 days, with signs of disease usually appearing in about 5 days.

Is the virus contagious during the incubation period?

The maximum time until symptoms of COVID-19 may appear is 14 days. The incubation period is usually shorter, and for most people it is 7 days after infection when symptoms appear. Before symptoms appear, from the second day after infection, when the virus has built up in the body, the person is quite active in spreading the virus. During the first week or the first 5 days, a person is highly contagious. This is a very dangerous period, so it is important to keep yourself isolated and avoid social contact during this time.

If you suspect that you have been infected with COVID-19 (you have returned from abroad, have been in contact with an infected person, etc.), you must closely monitor your health condition for a period of 14 days for any signs of the disease. The person infected with COVID-19 should be in isolation, the contact person of the infected person should be in home quarantine.

How to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19?

Vaccination against COVID-19 infection is the safest and most effective way to protect yourself against severe forms of the disease and to work together to reduce the spread of COVID-19 infection in society.  Find out more at Vaccination. 

Preventive measures for COVID-19 infection are similar to other acute upper respiratory tract infections:

• Wash your hands frequently (every time you come in from outdoors, before eating, before touching your face);

• Regularly ventilate premises (at home, in educational institutions, and workplaces);

• Carry out a wet cleaning of the premises.

• Eat healthy foods that will help boost your immunity, as well as extend your stay in the fresh air by walking and exercising outdoors. When sneezing, use disposable wipes and wash your hands afterwards. Keep a safe distance when visiting public places. Use a medical face mask or FFP2 unvalved respirator where necessary and as required by current legislation to limit the spread of COVID-19 infection.